Want to run a golf course? Cliff Park is available.

The National Park Service has issued a new request for proposal offering a 10-year lease of the nine-hole Cliff Park Golf Course alone, without operating the historic inn on the property.

BETH BRELJE

The National Park Service has issued a new request for proposal offering a 10-year lease of the nine-hole Cliff Park Golf Course alone, without operating the historic inn on the property.

The Cliff Park Inn, within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, was closed in Oct. 2011 after former tenant Stephanie Ann Brown and NPS abruptly ended her lease. The NPS said Brown allowed the inn, restaurant and bar to fall into disrepair.

The 1820 farmhouse inn needs a new roof, septic system and other repairs estimated between $1 million and $2 million according to the NPS.

A request for proposal had been issued, seeking someone to pay for the repairs and then operate the Cliff Park Inn hotel, bar, restaurant, and golf course as a single entity.

The NPS got a few nibbles, but did not receive any acceptable proposals. That request for proposals has been rescinded, effective immediately, and the bar, restaurant and inn are not available for lease.

Instead, the NPS has submitted requests for special project funding to make the needed repairs on the Cliff Park buildings.

"The Cliff Park Inn is one of our top priorities," Park Management Assistant Johnny Carawan said.

NPS has shifted from asking an operator to make the repairs to taking on the rehabilitation project.

Local golfers have been eager to see the gold course reopen. This new request for proposals could make that happen by late this summer. The park service hopes to have a lease in place by Aug. 9.

The historic nine-hole, par 35, golf course sits on about 45 acres and dates to 1913, when it initially opened. It has been a popular and low-cost public course for years.

"This amazing course is a jewel within Pike County. Its rolling hills surrounded by lush upland forests make it a great place to play a round of golf while enjoying the beautiful scenery in an historic setting," Park Superintendent John Donahue said.

The request for proposals is posted on the park's website at nps.gov/dewa/parkmgmt/historic-leasing.htm.

An inspection tour is scheduled for 10 a.m. June 7.

Interested parties may contact Cindy Branley, leasing program manager, at 570-420-9782 for information or to make arrangements to attend the inspection tour. Qualified applicants who can demonstrate the ability to fulfill the requirements of the lease agreement may submit proposals for consideration until July 26, 2013.